By CatholicVote | Created at 2025-01-17 19:56:15 | Updated at 2025-01-30 18:55:21
1 week ago
CV NEWS FEED // Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on International Justice and Peace, expressed optimism regarding President Biden’s recent decision to remove Cuba from the state sponsors of terrorism list.
“It is precisely through a greater commitment to bilateral collaboration and cooperation that positive change will come for the Cuban people,” Bishop Zaidan said Jan.16.
The bishop commended the Biden administration for its decision, noting the long-standing advocacy by the USCCB, the Holy See, and the Cuban bishops for mutually beneficial relations and the full lifting of the economic embargo against Cuba.
Bishop Zaidan had previously appealed for Cuba’s removal from the list in a July 2024 letter written to Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
“It is my hope that this policy shift renews our country’s bilateral engagement on Cuba,” Bishop Zaidan said, “and that it prompts both the United States and Cuba to explore a greater degree of collaboration, including bilateral trade and greater access to travel between our nations.”
Bishop Zaidan stressed the importance of increased engagement from the United States, asserting that such initiatives could bring substantial benefits to the Cuban people, including improved cultural exchanges and a more robust economy. He reiterated that a stronger commitment to “bilateral collaboration and cooperation” is essential for achieving positive change in Cuba.
>> Cuban independent media: Pope influenced Biden’s decision to remove Cuba from terrorism list <<
